Here’s where you can catch the best views of the Taj Mahal

At this superluxe hotel in Agra, the premier accommodation's amenities are as exceptional as its views

All 102 rooms and suites of Oberoi Amarvilas Agar look out onto the Taj Mahal, so you can’t go wrong, but for the ultimate pied-à-terre, request the Kohinoor Suite | Photo courtesy: Instagram

Every year, millions of people flock to the Taj Mahal, but only one hotel in Agra boasts uninterrupted views of the architectural masterpiece from every room.

Located less than half a mile from the country’s most famous monument—built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife—the Oberoi Amarvilas epitomises modern Indian luxury.

Photo courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Spread across 9 acres of terraced gardens, pools, and pavilions, the property has hosted celebrities and royals, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, who visited the Taj Mahal and posed for a photo on the same bench where Princess Diana sat more than 20 years ago.

Though it was built from the ground up, the hotel’s architecture and design is inspired by the Mughal heritage of Shah Jahan’s dynasty, with intricate marble inlays, carved jali (screens commonly found in classical Indian architecture), colonnades, gold accents, and even fountains resembling the ones in front of the Taj Mahal.

The view from the Tea Lounge

Upon entering through the forecourt, guests find themselves in a grand lobby where an opulent chandelier hangs from a blue-and-gold dome, glittering brilliantly against the marble floor.

A staircase leads down to the elegant restaurants, spa, gardens, and pool, which takes on the indigo hue of the signature blue tiles found at all Oberoi hotels.

All 102 rooms and suites look out onto the Taj Mahal, so you can’t go wrong, but for the ultimate pied-à-terre, request the Kohinoor Suite. Named for the 105.6-carat Indian diamond, the spacious suite comprises a living room, dining room, study, master bedroom with walk-in closet, marble bathroom, and a large terrace where you can enjoy romantic meals.

Wall-to-wall windows ensure that every room—including the glassed-in shower—has a clear view of the Taj Mahal, while Indian antiques, artwork, and textiles lend a sense of place.

“The Oberoi Amarvilas is a wonderful showcase for the rich artistic heritage and expertise of local craftsmen,” the hotel’s general manager, Abhishek Panshikar, told AD. “The Kohinoor suite is an expansive 275 square metres in size, and the interiors are a fine blend of elegance and luxury.”

Guests of the Kohinoor Suite are entitled to personalised butler service, transfers in an Audi Q7, and access to the Taj Mahal via the hotel’s private entrance. From $13,867/night (INR 8.9 lakh); oberoihotels.com.